VB: Gators headed to Sweet Sixteen after sweeping FGCU

The Florida volleyball team managed two sweeps in as many days after downing the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles in round two of the NCAA Tournament. The win comes just one day after the Gators shut out FSU in the first round. Now, Mary Wise‘s squad is onto the Sweet 16.

Set 1

Florida did not jump out to the fastest start, trailing the Eagles 7-4 early on in the match. But, they quickly battled back to 7-7. Freshman Paula Cerame‘s service run put the team up 22-14 late in the game and the Gators capitalized on the momentum to clinch the set, winning 25-17.

The squad hit .455, while only allowing the other team to hit .067 of its attempts. Rachael Kramer and Paige Hammons pitched in four kills and Thayer Hall made three.

Set 2

The momentum carried on into the second set, where Florida led 16-7. The team then went on a 9-6 run to quickly move the match to the third frame, winning this one 25-13.

Thanks to 12 errors by FGCU, the Gators hit .500, while holding the Eagles to .074. Hammons led the set with four kills and Holly Carlton added three.

Set 3

Once again, the ball was in Florida’s court early on, with a score of 10-6. The Gators kept the pace steady, but FGCU pulled within two to make it 19-17. A service run by Allie Monserez gave the team its final six points and a spot in the next round.

Gator Notables

Once again, Paige Hammons paced the offense, with fourteen kills. The FGCU win marked the ninth time that Hammons led the category this season.

For the 30th time this season, Allie Monserez led the team in assists (20). Her sister Marlie followed behind with 16.

Allie Gregory‘s 16 digs led the Gators for the 29th time on the season.

Up Next

The team will find out whether it will play Utah or #4 BYU in the Sweet 16. The Utes and the Cougars take the court Saturday at 9 PM.

The Gators are also now 26-6 on the season and 2-0 all-time against Florida Gulf Coast.